Latest news with #BezosEarthFund
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Lauren Sánchez career path: How this student from a California College become an Emmy-winning journalist, pilot, and space traveler
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Lauren Sánchez educational qualification: From dyslexic student to Emmy-winning journalist and space explorer Lauren Sánchez career trajectory: How a former news anchor became a pilot, author, and Bezos Earth Fund leader Lauren Sánchez educational qualification: How this dyslexic student rose from New Mexico to become an Emmy-winning journalist, pilot, and space traveler Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are marrying today—with the ceremony relocated to the historic Arsenale hall in Venice's Castello district amid protests. As protests erupt across Venice over Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's star-studded wedding, the journalist and pilot continues to dominate global headlines. The couple, engaged since 2023, was forced to relocate their wedding venue due to anti-Bezos demonstrations, with banners like "No Space for Bezos" unfurled across the city. Activists from the "No Space for Bezos" collective claimed victory after the ceremony was shifted to the historic Arsenale hall in the Castello district for security reasons. While the lavish wedding has drawn the ire of locals and overtourism campaigners, Sánchez's personal journey—from a dyslexic student in Albuquerque to a spacefaring media entrepreneur—paints a compelling portrait of resilience, ambition, and reinvention. A dyslexia diagnosis changed her academic outlook Born on December 19, 1969, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Lauren Wendy Sánchez was raised by her father, Ray Sánchez, an aviation businessman, and her mother, Eleanor Sánchez, a former Los Angeles assistant deputy mayor. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo As a "third-generation Mexican-American," Sánchez grew up participating in student government and cheerleading at Del Norte High School before graduating in 1987. After enrolling at the University of New Mexico to study acting and speech, Sánchez transferred to El Camino College in California. It was there that a professor noticed her learning differences and helped identify her dyslexia. "It changed everything," she later said, as reported by People magazine . The diagnosis empowered Sánchez to pursue advocacy work with the International Dyslexia Association, supporting educational equity and neurodiversity. Following community college, she completed a degree in communications at the University of Southern California. Sánchez also briefly dabbled in modeling, winning the international Models World Magazine Cover Girl Competition in 1990. From local newsrooms to Emmy wins and FOX primetime Sánchez's career began humbly as a desk assistant at KCOP-TV in Los Angeles. She worked her way up the ladder, taking on anchor roles in Phoenix at KTVK-TV before joining Extra as a correspondent. At Fox Sports Net, she earned an Emmy nomination and later joined Fox 11 News at Ten and Good Day L.A.. Her team at UPN News 13 won an Emmy, as reported by KTTV. She was the original host of So You Think You Can Dance in 2005 and has frequently appeared on shows like Larry King Live and The View. From aerial filmmaker to space traveler After earning her pilot's license at 40, Sánchez founded Black Ops Aviation, the first female-owned aerial film company. In April 2025, she became one of the first female journalists to travel to space aboard Blue Origin's NS-31, alongside Gayle King and others. "It's something I never imagined possible," Sánchez said of the flight, as quoted by CBS Mornings . In 2024, she authored a bestselling children's book, The Fly Who Flew to Space , inspired by her struggle with dyslexia. She was also honored with the Elling Halvorson Vertical Flight Hall of Fame Award for her aviation work. Driving climate impact and social change As vice-chair of the Bezos Earth Fund, Sánchez has spearheaded over $400 million in climate-focused philanthropy, including restoring 1.6 million acres of US land. She's also involved in the Bezos Day One Fund and border-relief group This Is About Humanity , supporting migrant families. Despite the glittering spectacle in Venice, Sánchez's own story is one of grit, ambition, and transformation—from a struggling student to a pioneering voice in media, aviation, and space exploration. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
News18
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Who Is Lauren Sanchez, Jeff Bezos' To-Be-Wife? TV Presenter-Pilot Weds Amazon Boss In Venice
Last Updated: Jeff Bezos will marry Lauren Sanchez, a TV presenter and founder of Black Ops Aviation. Sanchez, vice chair of the Bezos Earth Fund, got engaged to Bezos in May 2023. Jeff Bezos And Lauren Sanchez Wedding: US tech billionaire Jeff Bezos is set to marry TV presenter Lauren Sanchez; it's the wedding that everyone is talking about. The million-dollar party in Venice has caused quite a stir. Born in New Mexico in 1969, Sánchez studied at El Camino College and later the University of Southern California. According to her alma mater's website, at the time, she was known as Wendy Sánchez. Also See: Jeff Bezos Wedding Photos Sánchez earned her helicopter pilot's license at 40, a passion sparked by her father, a flight instructor. She went on to found Black Ops Aviation in 2016, becoming the first female-owned aerial film production company. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the company consulted on Christopher Nolan's 'Dunkirk." 'I had my job, I had a career, and then I found a calling," she told the publication. 'I loved entertainment and I loved filming, and so I got to combine all of it." She also serves as vice chair of the Bezos Earth Fund, and is dedicated to 'fighting climate change and the protection of nature, as well as early childhood education, programming, and housing support," according to the fund's website. In 2025, Sánchez was one of the six female passengers who were launched to the edge of space by Bezos' Blue Origin NS-31 rocket for a brief, 10-minute journey. The 55-year-old also authored a children's book, 'The Fly Who Flew to Space," published in English and Spanish in 2024. The book tells a story of a fly named Flynn who travels to space and returns with a newfound commitment to the planet – a narrative Sánchez described to People as 'a metaphor for curiosity and the pursuit of dreams." Personal Life Sanchez has three children: a son born in 2001 with former NFL player Tony Gonzalez and two with her ex-husband, Hollywood agent Patrick Whitesell. Sanchez reportedly met Bezos after her company, Black Ops Aviation, was contracted to film for Blue Origin. Sánchez and Bezos, 61, went public with their relationship in 2019 after Bezos announced his divorce from his wife of 25 years, MacKenzie Scott. A few months later, Sanchez also filed for divorce from Whitesell. The pair got engaged in May 2023. In the summer of 2023, the couple announced their engagement and threw a star-studded party on Bezos' yacht on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. In January, Sánchez accompanied Bezos at US President Donald Trump's second inauguration. During the ceremony, the couple were seated next to Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: June 27, 2025, 10:24 IST
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
The Internet got a hold of Jeff Bezos' wedding invite. It's not what you'd expect
As the world waits for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez to tie the knot in Venice this weekend, the Internet is currently fixating on one detail: the invitation. ABC News got a hold of one, and let's just say it doesn't exactly look as if it came from the fourth richest man in the world (as per Forbes' real time billionaires list on Wednesday). 'We are excited for you to join us!' reads the text surrounded by butterflies, birds, stars and gondolas. There's also an image at the bottom of a bridge surrounded by red and white striped canal poles. As the unusually simple invite decorated with crude graphics made the rounds over social media, a bunch of folks trashed it. Some even accused Sanchez and Bezos of creating it themselves. 'Wow! Did they just send an evite for their multimillion dollar wedding?' 'With all the money he has they could have at least done something pretty and classy.' 'This invitation looks like a 11 year old made it.' 'This was the best their wedding planner came up with? My goodness.' 'Why does it look so goofy?' So, what do you give the man who has everything? As per the invite, nothing. The duo wrote that they have one request of the guests (e.g. Kim Kardashian, Leonardo DiCaprio and Oprah), who will be traveling to Italy ostensibly on their own dime: 'Please, no gifts.' The bride and groom go on to explain that they are making contributions in the guests' honor to three Venetian organizations that are committed to research about climate change and the city's cultural heritage The funds ($1 million apiece) will come from the groom's Bezos Earth Fund, as per reports. The philanthropic move is likely meant to mollify angry residents who are protesting against the celebrity-filled spectacle being held in their historic backyard. In recent days, locals rallied against the event placing large signs reading 'No Space for Bezos' all over the so-called floating city. The backlash was so intense that the Indian Creek Village residents ended up changing their venue to a location further from the city center at the last minute. The ceremony will now take place at Arsenale, a former shipyard and home to the annual Biennale art fair. 'This magical place has gifted us unforgettable memories,' the invite concludes. 'Our hope is that through these efforts and by you joining us, Venice will continue to inspire wonder for generations to come.'
CNN
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNN
Who is Lauren Sánchez, Jeff Bezos' bride-to-be?
She's set to marry Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos. But who is the pilot and Emmy Award-winning journalist Lauren Sánchez – and how did she go from local news to the edge of space? Born in New Mexico in 1969 and raised in California, Sánchez studied at El Camino College and later the University of Southern California. According to her alma mater's website, at the time she was known as Wendy Sánchez. She launched her broadcasting career at KTVK-TV in Phoenix, and went on to appear on the 'Extra' news magazine show, co-hosted 'Good Day LA,' and served as the original host of the dancing competition series 'So You Think You Can Dance.' At 40, Sánchez became a licenced helicopter pilot – a pursuit inspired by her father, a flight instructor. In 2016, she founded Black Ops Aviation – the first female-owned aerial film production company. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the company consulted on Christopher Nolan's 'Dunkirk.' 'I had my job, I had a career, and then I found a calling,' she told the publication. 'I loved entertainment and I loved filming, and so I got to combine all of it.' The 55-year-old also serves as the vice chair of the Bezos Earth Fund, and is dedicated to 'fighting climate change and the protection of nature, as well as early childhood education, programming, and housing support,' according to the fund's website. In 2025, Sánchez was one of the six female passengers who were launched to the edge of space by Bezos' Blue Origin NS-31 rocket for a brief, 10-minute journey. She 'brought the mission together,' according to Blue Origin, and personally selected her fellow space travelers, who included journalist Gayle King, singer Katy Perry and research scientist and rape survivor Amanda Nguyen. Sánchez also worked with luxury fashion house Monse to design new flight suits for the mission. She said the view from space was not what she expected. 'Earth looked so – it was so quiet,' she said. 'And you look at it, and you're like, 'We're all in this together.'' Sánchez also authored a children's book, 'The Fly Who Flew to Space,' published in English and Spanish in 2024. The book tells a story of a fly named Flynn who travels to space and returns with a newfound commitment to the planet – a narrative Sánchez described to People as 'a metaphor for curiosity and the pursuit of dreams.' She has three children: a son, Nikko, with former NFL player Tony Gonzalez; and son Evan and daughter Ella with ex-husband Patrick Whitesell, an entertainment executive. In a 2023 interview with The Wall Street Journal, Sánchez said she maintains a close relationship with Gonzalez and his wife, describing them as her 'best friends.' Sánchez and Bezos, 61, went public with their relationship in 2019 after Bezos announced his divorce from his wife of 25 years, MacKenzie Scott. The pair got engaged in May 2023. In January, Sánchez accompanied Bezos at US President Donald Trump's second inauguration. During the ceremony, the couple were seated next to Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg.
CNN
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNN
Who is Lauren Sánchez, Jeff Bezos' bride-to-be?
She's set to marry Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos. But who is the pilot and Emmy Award-winning journalist Lauren Sánchez – and how did she go from local news to the edge of space? Born in New Mexico in 1969 and raised in California, Sánchez studied at El Camino College and later the University of Southern California. According to her alma mater's website, at the time she was known as Wendy Sánchez. She launched her broadcasting career at KTVK-TV in Phoenix, and went on to appear on the 'Extra' news magazine show, co-hosted 'Good Day LA,' and served as the original host of the dancing competition series 'So You Think You Can Dance.' At 40, Sánchez became a licenced helicopter pilot – a pursuit inspired by her father, a flight instructor. In 2016, she founded Black Ops Aviation – the first female-owned aerial film production company. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the company consulted on Christopher Nolan's 'Dunkirk.' 'I had my job, I had a career, and then I found a calling,' she told the publication. 'I loved entertainment and I loved filming, and so I got to combine all of it.' The 55-year-old also serves as the vice chair of the Bezos Earth Fund, and is dedicated to 'fighting climate change and the protection of nature, as well as early childhood education, programming, and housing support,' according to the fund's website. In 2025, Sánchez was one of the six female passengers who were launched to the edge of space by Bezos' Blue Origin NS-31 rocket for a brief, 10-minute journey. She 'brought the mission together,' according to Blue Origin, and personally selected her fellow space travelers, who included journalist Gayle King, singer Katy Perry and research scientist and rape survivor Amanda Nguyen. Sánchez also worked with luxury fashion house Monse to design new flight suits for the mission. She said the view from space was not what she expected. 'Earth looked so – it was so quiet,' she said. 'And you look at it, and you're like, 'We're all in this together.'' Sánchez also authored a children's book, 'The Fly Who Flew to Space,' published in English and Spanish in 2024. The book tells a story of a fly named Flynn who travels to space and returns with a newfound commitment to the planet – a narrative Sánchez described to People as 'a metaphor for curiosity and the pursuit of dreams.' She has three children: a son, Nikko, with former NFL player Tony Gonzalez; and son Evan and daughter Ella with ex-husband Patrick Whitesell, an entertainment executive. In a 2023 interview with The Wall Street Journal, Sánchez said she maintains a close relationship with Gonzalez and his wife, describing them as her 'best friends.' Sánchez and Bezos, 61, went public with their relationship in 2019 after Bezos announced his divorce from his wife of 25 years, MacKenzie Scott. The pair got engaged in May 2023. In January, Sánchez accompanied Bezos at US President Donald Trump's second inauguration. During the ceremony, the couple were seated next to Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg.
